Why Cleopatra was more than a bewitching beauty

We often think of Cleopatra as using her feminine wiles to stay on top – but, says Islam Issa, she was a more complex, and three-dimensional, character than that

Promotional thumbnail for "Cleopatra: Episode Three" featuring a close-up of an ancient coin showing a profile portrait of a figure with curly hair and Greek inscription around the edge. The image is tinted in warm amber and orange tones against a solid orange background. Bold white text reading "CLEOPATRA" appears at the top, and "EPISODE THREE" is displayed in dark bold text in the lower left corner (Photo via Getty)

Published: May 24, 2026 at 7:45 AM

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We often think of Cleopatra as using her feminine wiles to secure, and maintain, power. But was that really the case? And what other skills and qualities did she have? In this third episode of our four-part Sunday Series charting the ancient queen and her world, Matt Elton is joined by Islam Issa – professor of public humanities at Birmingham City University – to discover more about Cleopatra the leader.

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Go Beyond the Podcast

Captivated by Cleopatra? Matt Elton has curated a collection of essential reading, listening and viewing from the HistoryExtra vaults to help bring the ancient queen to life.

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And don’t miss our HistoryExtra Academy Royal Women, with Professor Kate Williams, for more on some of the past’s most powerful female leaders – from Cleopatra to Elizabeth II.

Authors

Matt EltonPodcast editor

Matt Elton is the podcast editor at HistoryExtra

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